Systems and methods for recycling consumer electronic devices

ABSTRACT

Systems and associated methods for recycling and performing other processes with consumer electronic devices are described herein. In various embodiments, the present technology includes systems and methods for identifying and evaluating an electronic device to facilitate processing (e.g., purchasing) the device. In some embodiments, the present technology includes a self-service evaluation apparatus and a cashier terminal that identifies and evaluates a device and that facilitates purchase and recycling of the device. Various other aspects of the present technology are described herein.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent Application Ser. No.14/925,357, filed Oct. 28, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,417,615, whichclaims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/073,840, filedOct. 31, 2014, which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure is directed generally to methods and systems forrecycling consumer electronic devices and, more particularly, to methodsand systems for identification, evaluation, exchange, return, and/orpurchase of consumer electronic devices.

BACKGROUND

Consumer electronic devices, such as desk-based and laptop computers,mobile phones, laptop computers, notebooks, tablets, MP3 players, etc.,are ubiquitous. Over 300 million desk-based and notebook computersshipped in 2013, and for the first time the number of tablet computersshipped exceeded laptops. In addition, there are over 6 billion mobiledevices in use in the world; and the number of these devices is growingrapidly with more than 1.8 billion mobile phones being sold in 2013alone. By 2017 it is expected that there will be more mobile devices inuse than there are people on the planet. Part of the reason for therapid growth in the number of mobile phones and other electronic devicesis the rapid pace at which these devices evolve, and the increased usageof such devices in third world countries.

As a result of the rapid pace of development, a relatively highpercentage of electronic devices are replaced every year as consumerscontinually upgrade their electronic devices to obtain the latestfeatures. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, theU.S. alone disposes of over 370 million mobile phones, PDAs, tablets,and other electronic devices every year. Millions of other outdated orbroken electronic devices are simply tossed into junk drawers orotherwise kept until a suitable disposal solution arises.

Although many electronic device retailers now offer mobile phonetrade-in or buyback programs, many old devices still end up in landfillsor are improperly disassembled and disposed of in developing countries.Unfortunately, however, electronic devices typically contain substancesthat can be harmful to the environment, such as arsenic, lithium,cadmium, copper, lead, mercury and zinc. If not properly disposed of,these toxic substances can seep into groundwater from decomposinglandfills and contaminate the soil with potentiality harmfulconsequences for humans and the environment. As an alternative toretailer trade-in or buyback programs, consumers can now recycle and/orsell their used mobile phones using self-service kiosks located in mallsor other publically accessible areas. Such kiosks are operated byecoATM, Inc., the assignee of the present application, and are disclosedin, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,463,646, 8,423,404, 8,239,262,8,200,533, 8,195,511, and 7,881,965, which are commonly owned by ecoATM,Inc. and are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

Recycling or reselling larger electronic devices (e.g., televisions,desktop PCs, game consoles, etc.) and electronic devices havingirregular form factors (e.g., smartwatches, smartglasses, etc.), canpresent unique problems for automated inspection, analysis, andcollection. Additionally, manufacturers and retailers of such electronicdevices would benefit from improved systems and methods for recyclingsuch devices. For example, this would allow manufacturers and retailersto participate in various “takeback” programs, buyback offers, toimplement warranty and return policies, and to facilitate efficientrecycling of these electronic devices. Additionally, certain state andfederal laws provide incentives for retailers to participate in“takeback” programs that require manufacturers to assist with recyclingof electronic devices. Accordingly, there continues to be a need forimproving the means available to consumers for recycling or resellingsuch electronic devices. Simplifying the recycling/reselling process,enhancing the consumer experience, and discouraging fraud canincentivize consumers to dispose of their old electronic devices in anefficient and environmentally conscientious way.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic isometric view of a system configured inaccordance with an embodiment of the present technology for recyclingelectronic devices.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating various components associatedwith the system of FIG. 1 configured in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present technology for recycling electronic devices.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a suitable distributed computingenvironment for implementing various aspects of the present technology.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of recycling anelectronic device in accordance with an embodiment of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of identifying anelectronic device in accordance with an embodiment of the presenttechnology.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for collecting andmanaging inventory of consumer electronic devices in accordance with anembodiment of the present technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following disclosure describes various embodiments of systems andmethods for the recycling and/or other processing of electronic devices.For example, the following describes various embodiments of systems foroperator-assisted recycling of consumer electronic devices. Such systemscan include, for example, an evaluation apparatus and a cashierterminal. Because of the size, some larger electronic devices—such astelevisions, printers, game consoles, desktop PCs, and laptops—may notbe well suited for automated recycling by consumer-operated kiosks.Additionally, some electronic devices having irregular form factors—suchas smartwatches, smartglasses, and health monitors—may likewise not bewell suited for automated recycling at such kiosks. Accordingly, itwould be advantageous to provide a system that allows for efficientevaluation and inspection of such electronic devices, while allowing foroperator assistance with certain procedures such as binning the devices.

The various embodiments of the systems described herein for recyclingelectronic devices, including large or irregularly sized electronicdevices, can be particularly useful for retailers. First, such systemsmay allow retailers to offer recycling of electronic devices without theneed for specially trained staff members. Additionally, certain stateand federal laws may provide incentives for retailers to participate in“takeback” programs that require manufacturers to assist with recyclingof electronic devices. Manufacturers often offer warranties or otherguarantees that may require receiving and evaluating electronic devicesreturned by customers. In some instances, retailers may offer buybackprograms in order to promote sales of new products, for example offeringa customer $50 towards the purchase of a new laptop if the customerbrings in an old laptop for recycling. In these and other instances, theconsumer's electronic device can be returned at a convenient locationusing various embodiments of the operator-assisted systems describedherein. These embodiments allow the electronic devices to be evaluated,inspected, binned, and compensation to be dispensed to the user. Theretailer or other establishment hosting the operator-assisted recyclingsystem may then coordinate with manufacturers or electronics recyclersto pick up the collected electronic devices.

Certain details are set forth in the following description and in FIGS.1-6 to provide a thorough understanding of various embodiments of thepresent technology. In other instances, well-known structures,materials, operations and/or systems often associated with smartphonesand other handheld devices, consumer electronic devices, computerhardware, software, and network systems, etc. are not shown or describedin detail in the following disclosure to avoid unnecessarily obscuringthe description of the various embodiments of the technology. Those ofordinary skill in the art will recognize, however, that the presenttechnology can be practiced without one or more of the details set forthherein, or with other structures, methods, components, and so forth.

The terminology used below is to be interpreted in its broadestreasonable manner, even though it is being used in conjunction with adetailed description of certain examples of embodiments of thetechnology. Indeed, certain terms may even be emphasized below; however,any terminology intended to be interpreted in any restricted manner willbe specifically defined as such in this Detailed Description section.

The accompanying Figures depict embodiments of the present technologyand are not intended to be limiting of its scope. The sizes of variousdepicted elements are not necessarily drawn to scale, and these variouselements may be arbitrarily enlarged to improve legibility. Componentdetails may be abstracted in the Figures to exclude details such asposition of components and certain precise connections between suchcomponents when such details are unnecessary for a completeunderstanding of how to make and use the invention.

In the Figures, identical reference numbers identify identical, or atleast generally similar, elements. To facilitate the discussion of anyparticular element, the most significant digit or digits of anyreference number refers to the Figure in which that element is firstintroduced. For example, element 110 is first introduced and discussedwith reference to FIG. 1.

FIG. 1 is a schematic isometric view of system for recycling and/orother processing of mobile phones and other consumer electronic devicesin accordance with embodiments of the present technology. In theillustrated embodiment, the system includes an evaluation apparatus 100and a cashier terminal 150. The term “processing” is used herein forease of reference to generally refer to all manner of services andoperations that may be performed or facilitated by the system on, with,or otherwise in relation to an electronic device. Such services andoperations can include, for example, selling, reselling, recycling,donating, exchanging, identifying, evaluating, pricing, auctioning,decommissioning, transferring data from or to, reconfiguring,refurbishing, etc. mobile phones, laptops, personal computers, smartwatches, and other electronic devices. Although many embodiments of thepresent technology are described herein in the context of mobile phones,aspects of the present technology are not limited to mobile phones andgenerally apply to other consumer electronic devices. Such devicesinclude, as non-limiting examples, notebook and laptop computers, DVRs,e-readers, cameras, televisions, printers, desktop computers, gameconsoles, all manner of mobile phones, smart phones, handheld devices,PDAs, MP3 players, tablet, etc., as well smaller electronic devices suchas Google Glass™, smartwatches (e.g., Apple Watch), other wearablecomputers, etc. The evaluation apparatus 100 and various featuresthereof can be at least generally similar in structure and function tocertain features of the kiosks described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,463,646,8,423,404, 8,239,262, 8,200,533, 8,195,511, and 7,881,965; and in U.S.patent application Ser. Nos. 12/573,089, 12/727,624, 13/113,497,12/785,465, 13/017,560, 13/438,924, 13/753,539, 13/658,825, 13/733,984,13/705,252, 13/487,299 13/492,835, 13/562,292, 13/658,828, 13/693,032,13/792,030, 13/794,814, 13/794,816, 13/862,395 and 13/913,408. All ofthe patents and patent applications listed in the preceding sentence arecommonly owned by the applicant of the present application, and theyalong with any other patents or patent applications identified hereinare incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

In the illustrated embodiment, the evaluation apparatus 100 is acounter-top self-service apparatus configured for use by a user 101(e.g., a consumer, customer, retail assistant, etc.) to recycle, sell,return and/or perform other operations with a consumer electronic device106 in, for example, a store, mall, or other retail establishment. Inother embodiments, the evaluation apparatus 100 can be configured foruse as a floor-mounted or wall-mounted apparatus. Although embodimentsof the evaluation apparatus 100 can be configured for use by consumers,in various embodiments the evaluation apparatus 100 and/or variousportions thereof can also be used by other operators, such as a retailclerk or assistant to facilitate the selling or other processing ofmobile phones, laptops, smart watches, and other electronic devices.

In the illustrated embodiment, the evaluation apparatus 100 includes ahousing 102 that can be of conventional manufacture from, for example,sheet metal, plastic panels, etc. A plurality of user interface devicesare provided on an exterior (e.g., front portion) of the housing 102 forproviding instructions and other information to users, and/or forreceiving user inputs and other information from users. For example, theevaluation apparatus 100 can include a display screen 104 (e.g., aliquid crystal display (LCD)) for providing information, prompts, etc.to users via text, graphics, video, etc. The display screen 104 caninclude a touch screen for receiving user inputs and responses todisplayed prompts. In addition or alternatively, the evaluationapparatus 100 can include a separate keyboard or keypad for thispurpose. The evaluation apparatus 100 can also include an ID reader orscanner 112 (e.g., a driver's license scanner), a biometric scanner(e.g., fingerprint reader) 114, and one or more cameras 116 (e.g.,digital still and/or video cameras, identified individually as cameras116 a-c). The evaluation apparatus 100 can additionally include aplurality of output devices such as a label printer having an associatedoutlet 110, a receipt or voucher printer having an outlet 111, a cardwriter coupled with a card dispenser 113 for dispensing cards containingvalue (e.g., prepaid debit cards, gift cards, etc.), and a cashdispenser having an outlet 118. Although not identified in FIG. 1, theevaluation apparatus 100 can further include a speaker and/or aheadphone jack for audibly communicating information to users, one ormore lights for visually communicating signals or other information tousers, a handset or microphone for receiving verbal input from the user,a card reader (e.g., a credit/debit card reader, loyalty card reader,etc.), as well as other user input and output devices. The input devicesmay include a touchpad, a pointing device such as a mouse, a joystick,pen, game pad, motion sensor, scanner, etc. Additionally the evaluationapparatus 100 can also include a bar code reader, QR code reader,bag/package dispenser, a digital signature pad, etc.

Additionally, the evaluation apparatus 100 includes a plurality ofelectrical connectors 124 configured to connect to a wide variety ofconsumer electronic devices. The connectors 124 can include, for exampleUSB connectors, micro-USB connectors, Lightning connectors, FireWireconnectors, etc. for temporary connection to electronic devices that canbe received by then evaluation apparatus 100, such as mobile phones,laptops, printers, smart watches, etc. The electrical connectors 124 canadditionally include an AC plug to provide power for certain devices,e.g., desktop computers, televisions, printers, game consoles, etc. Theevaluation apparatus 100 can further include a scanner 125 which can be,for example, a hand-held barcode scanner. In some embodiments, thescanner can be a linear barcode reader, a QR code reader, an NFC reader,or other optical or electrical scanning device. In the illustratedembodiment, the scanner 125 is tethered to the evaluation apparatus by acord 127, allowing the user to manually operate the scanner to read abarcode or other indicia on the electronic device. In other embodiments,the scanner can be rigidly fixed to the evaluation apparatus, or inother embodiments the scanner may be physically separated from theevaluation apparatus 100 and may wirelessly communicate with theapparatus 100. The apparatus 100 can additionally include one or moreexternal cameras 129, a flatbed scanner 131, and/or other imagingcomponents in addition to the cameras 116 a-c to view, photograph and/orotherwise visually evaluate the electronic device 106 from multipleperspectives. In some embodiments, the camera 129 can be tethered to theevaluation apparatus by a cord 133, allowing the user to manuallyoperate the camera 129 to obtain an image of the device. In someembodiments, one or more of the external camera 129, the cameras 116a-c, and/or other imaging components discussed above can be movable tofacilitate device visual evaluation. One or more of the cameras 116 a-ccan also be configured to capture images of the user 101 for identityverification and to avoid fraud.

Certain features of the cashier terminal 150 may be at least generallysimilar in structure and function to conventional counter-top cashierterminals found at point of sale (POS) locations in retail stores forpurchasing of goods and services. In the illustrated embodiment, cashierterminal 150 is configured for use by a clerk 151 (e.g., a storeemployee, cashier, assistant, etc.) to facilitate recycling of consumerelectronic devices in conjunction with the user-operated evaluationapparatus 100. In other embodiments, the cashier terminal 150 can beconfigured for use as a floor-mounted or wall-mounted apparatus, as aspecialized processing device, and/or integrated into the apparatus 100.

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates several components of the cashierterminal 150. For example, the cashier terminal 150 includes a reader152 that can be used to retrieve unique identifiers which are generatedby the evaluation apparatus 100 and associated with the electronicdevice 106. The reader 152 can be, for example, an optical scanner(e.g., barcode scanner, QR code scanner), or a wireless electronicreader (e.g., RFID, NFC, etc.), or other device for readingmachine-readable media. In some embodiments, the clerk 151 can manuallyenter the unique identifier (e.g., an alphanumeric string) via interface158, which can be for example a touch screen associated with a displayscreen 156, a keyboard, etc.

A plurality of user interface devices are provided on the cashierterminal 150 for providing instructions and other information to theclerk 151, and/or for receiving inputs and other information from theclerk 151. For example, the cashier terminal 150 can include one or moreof the display screens 156 (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD)) forproviding information, prompts, etc. to the clerk 151. One or moreadditional display screens (e.g., outward-facing display screens) canalso be provided for displaying information to a customer (e.g., theuser 101). A user interface 158 is configured to receive input from theclerk 151. In some embodiments, the user interface 158 includes a touchscreen associated with the display screen 156 for receiving clerk inputand responses to displayed prompts. In addition or alternatively, thecashier terminal 150 can include a separate keyboard or keypad for thispurpose. In the illustrated embodiment, the cashier terminal 150 alsoincludes a payment dispenser 154 for dispensing payment to a customer inexchange for the electronic device. In some embodiments, the paymentdispenser 154 can be a cash drawer, a card dispenser (e.g., to dispensegift cards with stored value), a voucher printer, an electronic paymentdevice (e.g., a terminal for making electronic wire transfers, Paypaltransfers, Bitcoin transfers, etc), etc. The cashier terminal 150 canalso be associated with a bin 160 or other collection station orfacility for receiving the electronic devices from customers for securestorage, trade-ins, and/or further processing and recycling. In someembodiments, the bin 160 can be remote from the other components of thecashier terminal 150, for example the bin 160 can be positioned inanother location within a store, a warehouse, etc. In some embodiments,the bin 160 can be proximate to the other components, for example thebin 160 can be located beneath the cashier terminal 150. In someembodiments, the bin 160 can be coupled with a scanner or other readerwhich can read the identifying labels affixed to electronic devices asthey are deposited into and/or removed from the bin 160.

The cashier terminal 150 can also include an ID reader or scanner (e.g.,a driver's license scanner) 162, a biometric scanner (e.g., fingerprintreader) 164, and one or more cameras (e.g., digital still and/or videocameras) 166. The cashier terminal 150 can further include a speakerand/or a headphone jack for audibly communicating information to usersand the clerk, one or more lights for visually communicating signals orother information to users, a handset or microphone for receiving verbalinput from the user, a card reader (e.g., a credit/debit card reader,loyalty card reader, etc.), a receipt or voucher printer and dispenser,as well as other user input and output devices. The input devices mayinclude a touchpad, a pointing device such as a mouse, a joystick, pen,game pad, motion sensor, scanner, etc. Additionally the cashier terminal150 can also include a barcode reader, QR code reader, bag/packagedispenser, a digital signature pad, etc. In some embodiments, thecashier terminal 150 can also include a plurality of electricalconnectors configured to connect to a wide variety of consumerelectronic devices such as, for example, USB connectors, micro-USBconnectors, Lightning connectors, FireWire connectors, etc.

FIG. 2 provides a schematic representation of an architecture of theevaluation apparatus 100 and the cashier terminal 150 in accordance withan embodiment of the present technology. In the illustrated embodiment,the evaluation apparatus 100 includes a suitable processor or centralprocessing unit (CPU) 200 that controls operation of the evaluationapparatus 100 in accordance with computer-readable instructions storedon system memory 206. The CPU 200 may be any logic processing unit, suchas one or more CPUs, digital signal processors (DSPs),application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), etc. The CPU 200 caninclude, by way of example, a standard personal computer (PC) (e.g., aDELL OPTIPLEX 7010 PC) or other type of embedded computer running anysuitable operating system, such as Windows, Linux, Android, iOS, or anembedded real-time operating system. In some embodiments, the CPU 200can be a small form factor PC with integrated hard disk drive (HDD) orsolid-state drive (SSD) and universal serial bus (USB) or other ports tocommunicate with the other components of the evaluation apparatus 100.In other embodiments, the CPU 200 can include a microprocessor with astandalone motherboard that interfaces with a separate HDD. The memory206 can include read-only memory (ROM) and random access memory (RAM) orother storage devices, such as disk drives or SSDs, that store theexecutable applications, test software, databases and other softwarerequired to, for example, control evaluation apparatus components,process electronic device information and data (to, e.g., evaluatedevice make, model, condition, pricing, etc.), communicate and exchangedata and information with remote computers and other devices, etc.

The CPU 200 can provide information and instructions to users via thedisplay screen 104 and/or an audio system (e.g., a speaker) 204. The CPU200 can also receive user inputs via, e.g., a touch screen 208associated with the display screen 104, a keypad with physical keys,and/or a microphone 210. Additionally, the CPU 200 can receive personalidentification and/or biometric information associated with users viathe ID reader 112, one or more of the external cameras 116, and/or thefingerprint reader 114. In some embodiments, the CPU 200 can alsoreceive information (such as user identification and/or accountinformation) via a card reader 212 (e.g., a debit, credit, or loyaltycard reader having, e.g., a suitable magnetic stripe reader, opticalreader, etc.). The CPU 200 can also control operation of a labelprinter/dispenser associated with the outlet 110 and systems forproviding remuneration to users, such as a cash dispenser associatedwith the outlet 118, and/or a receipt or voucher printer and dispenser220 associated with the outlet 111.

As noted above, the evaluation apparatus 100 additionally includes anumber of electronic, optical and electromechanical devices forelectrically, visually and/or physically analyzing electronic devicesreceived at the evaluation apparatus 100 for recycling and/or otherprocessing. Such systems can include one or more of the cameras 116 a-cfor visually inspecting electronic devices for, e.g., determiningexternal dimensions and condition, and one or more of the electricalconnectors 124 (e.g., USB connectors) for, e.g., powering up electronicdevices and/or performing electronic analyses. Mechanical components 218can include, for example, an openable cover 125 which covers theelectrical connectors 124 when not in use. The evaluation apparatus 100further includes power 202, which can include battery power and/orfacility power for operation of the various electrical componentsassociated with evaluation apparatus operation.

In the illustrated embodiment, the evaluation apparatus 100 furtherincludes a network connection 222 (e.g., a wired connection, such as anEthernet port, cable modem, FireWire cable, Lightning connector, USBport, etc.) suitable for communication with, e.g., all manner ofprocessing devices (including remote processing devices) via acommunication link 250, and a wireless transceiver 224 (e.g., includinga WiFi access point; Bluetooth transceiver; near-field communication(NFC) device; wireless modem or cellular radio utilizing GSM, CDMA, 3Gand 4G technologies; etc., each of which may include an associatedantenna or antennas) suitable for communication with, e.g., all mannerof processing devices (including remote processing devices) via thecommunication link 250 and/or directly via, e.g., a wirelesspeer-to-peer connection. For example, the wireless transceiver 224 canfacilitate wireless communication with electronic devices, such as,e.g., an electronic device 230 e.g., a laptop, personal computer,smartwatch, e-reader, camera, TV, DVR, game console, Google Glass™;smart-watches, other wearable computers, mobile phone, etc. either inthe proximity of the evaluation apparatus 100 or remote therefrom. Byway of example only, in the illustrated embodiment the electronic device230 is depicted as a laptop computer and can include one or morefeatures, applications and/or other elements commonly found in laptopsand other known electronic devices. For example, the electronic device230 can include a CPU and/or a graphics processing unit (GPU) 234 forexecuting computer readable instructions stored on memory 236. Inaddition, the electronic device 230 can include an internal power sourceor battery 232, a dock connector 246, a USB port 248, a camera 240,and/or well-known input devices, including, for example, a keypad 242, atouch screen, etc. In many embodiments, the electronic device 230 canalso include a speaker 244 for two-way communication and audio playback.In addition to the foregoing features, the electronic device 230 caninclude an operating system (OS) 231 and/or a device wirelesstransceiver that may include one or more antennas 238 for wirelesslycommunicating with, for example, other electronic devices, websites, thecashier terminal 150, and the evaluation apparatus 100. Suchcommunication can be performed via, e.g., the communication link 250(which can include the Internet, public and private intranet, a local orextended WiFi network, cell towers, the plain old telephone system(POTS), etc.), direct wireless communication, etc.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cashier terminal 150 includes asuitable processor or central processing unit (CPU) 251 that controlsoperation of the cashier terminal 150 and associated components inaccordance with computer-readable instructions stored on system memory252. Similar to the CPU 200 associated with the evaluation apparatus100, the CPU 251 may be any logic processing unit, such as one or moreCPUs, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integratedcircuits (ASICs), etc. The CPU 251 can include, by way of example, astandard personal computer (PC) (e.g., a DELL OPTIPLEX 7010 PC) or othertype of embedded computer running any suitable operating system, such asWindows, Linux, Android, iOS, or an embedded real-time operating system.In some embodiments, the CPU 251 can be a small form factor PC withintegrated hard disk drive (HDD) or solid-state drive (SSD) anduniversal serial bus (USB) or other ports to communicate with the othercomponents of the cashier terminal 150. In other embodiments, the CPU251 can include a microprocessor with a standalone motherboard thatinterfaces with a separate HDD. The memory 252 can include read-onlymemory (ROM) and random access memory (RAM) or other storage devices,such as disk drives or SSDs, that store the executable applications,test software, databases and other software required to, for example,control evaluation apparatus components, process electronic deviceinformation and data (to, e.g., evaluate device make, model, condition,pricing, etc.), communicate and exchange data and information withremote computers and other devices, etc.

The CPU 251 can provide information and instructions to the clerk 151via the display screen 156 and/or an audio system (e.g., a speaker) 260.The CPU 251 can also receive user inputs via, e.g., a touch screen 158associated with the display screen 156, a keypad with physical keys,and/or a microphone 262. Additionally, the CPU 251 can receive personalidentification information associated with users (e.g., personsrecycling electronic devices with the apparatus 100) via the ID reader264, the biometric scanner 259 (e.g., a fingerprint scanner), or the oneor more of the cameras 266. In some embodiments, the CPU 251 can alsoreceive information (such as user identification and/or accountinformation) via a card reader 268 (e.g., a debit, credit, or loyaltycard reader having, e.g., a suitable magnetic stripe reader, opticalreader, etc.). The CPU 251 can also control operation of the receipt orvoucher printer 257 and systems for providing remuneration to users,such as the payment dispenser 154.

In the illustrated embodiment, the cashier terminal 150 further includesa network connection 256 (e.g., a wired connection, such as an Ethernet,modem, cable, etc.) suitable for communication with, e.g., all manner ofremote processing device via a communication link 250, and a wirelesstransceiver 258 (e.g., including a wireless modem utilizing GSM, CDMA,3G and 4G technologies, each of which may include an associated antennaor antennas) for data communications suitable for communication with,e.g., all manner of remote processing device via the communication link250 and/or directly via, e.g., a wireless peer-to-peer connection. Forexample, the wireless transceiver 258 can facilitate wirelesscommunication with electronic devices, such as an electronic device 230(e.g., a laptop) either in the proximity of the cashier terminal 150 orremote therefrom. As noted above, such communication can be performedvia, e.g., the communication link 250 (which can include the Internet,and intranet, cell towers, the plain old telephone system (POTS), etc.),direct wireless communication, etc.

Unless described otherwise, the construction and operation of thevarious components depicted in FIG. 2 are of conventional design. As aresult, such components need not be described in further detail herein,as they will be readily understood by those skilled in the relevant art.In other embodiments, the evaluation apparatus 100, the cashier terminal150, and/or the electronic device 230 can include other features thatmay be different from those described above. In still furtherembodiments, the evaluation apparatus 100 the cashier terminal 150,and/or the electronic device 230 can include more or fewer featuressimilar to those described above.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a suitable network environment forimplementing various aspects of an electronic device recycling system300 configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.In the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of the evaluation apparatuses100 (identified individually as evaluation apparatuses 100 a-100 n) canexchange information with one or more remote computers (e.g., one ormore server computers 304) via the communication link 250. Although thecommunication link 250 can include a publically available network (e.g.,the Internet with a web interface), a private communication link, suchas an intranet or other network may also be used. Moreover, in variousembodiments the individual evaluation apparatus 100 can be connected toa host computer (not shown) that facilitates the exchange of informationbetween the evaluation apparatuses 100 and remote computers, otherapparatuses, mobile devices, etc. Similarly, a plurality of the cashierterminals 150 (identified individually as cashier terminals 150 a-150 n)can exchange information with one or more remote computers via thecommunication link 250.

The server computer 304 can perform many or all of the functions forreceiving, routing and storing of electronic messages, such as webpages,audio signals and electronic images necessary to implement the variouselectronic transactions described herein. For example, the servercomputer 304 can retrieve and exchange web pages and other content withan associated database or databases 306. In some embodiments, thedatabase 306 can include information related to mobile phones and/orother consumer electronic devices. Such information can include, forexample, make, model, serial number, International Mobile EquipmentIdentity number (IMEI) Mobile Equipment Identifier (MEID), carrier planinformation, pricing information, owner information, etc., as well asdimensional information (size, shape, location of displays, ports, etc.)and other visual information (e.g., logo shapes, sizes, locations, etc.)associated with known devices, such as particular device models,sub-models, etc. In various embodiments the server computer 304 can alsoinclude a server engine 308, a web page management component 310, acontent management component 312, and a database management component314. The server engine 308 can perform the basic processing andoperating system level tasks associated with the various technologiesdescribed herein. The webpage management component 310 can handlecreation and/or display and/or routing of web or other display pages.The content management component 312 can handle many of the functionsassociated with the routines described herein. The database managementcomponent 314 can perform various storage, retrieval and query tasksassociated with the database 306, and can store various information anddata such as animation, graphics, visual and audio signals, etc.

In the illustrated embodiment, the evaluation apparatuses 100 and/or thecashier terminals 150 can also be operably connected to a plurality ofother remote devices and systems via the communication link 250. Forexample, the evaluation apparatuses 100 and/or the cashier terminals 150can be operably connected to a plurality of user devices 318 (e.g.,personal computers, laptops, handheld devices, etc.) having associatedbrowsers 320. Similarly, as described above the evaluation apparatuses100 and the cashier terminals 150 can each include wirelesscommunication facilities for exchanging digital information with mobiledevices, such as the electronic device 230, and a mobile phone 233. Theevaluation apparatuses 100, the cashier terminals 150, and/or the servercomputer 304 are also operably connectable to a series of remotecomputers for obtaining data and/or exchanging information withnecessary service providers, financial institutions, devicemanufactures, authorities, government agencies, etc. For example, theevaluation apparatuses 100, the cashier terminals 150, and the servercomputer 304 can be operably connected to one or more cell carriers 322,one or more device manufacturers 324 (e.g., laptop manufacturers), oneor more electronic payment or financial institutions 328, one or moredatabases (e.g., the GSMA International Mobile Equipment IdentityDatabase, etc.), and one or more computers and/or other remotely locatedor shared resources associated with cloud computing 326. The financialinstitutions 328 can include all manner of entity associated withconducting financial transactions, including banks, credit/debit cardfacilities, online commerce facilities, online payment systems, virtualcash systems, money transfer systems, etc.

In addition to the foregoing, the evaluation apparatuses 100, thecashier terminals 150, and the server computer 304 can also be operablyconnected to a resale marketplace 330 and an operator 332. The resalemarketplace 330 represents a system of remote computers and/or servicesproviders associated with the reselling of consumer electronic devicesthrough both electronic and brick and mortar channels. Such entities andfacilities can be associated with, for example, online auctions forreselling used electronic devices as well as for establishing marketprices for such devices. The operator 332 can be a central computer orsystem of computers for controlling all manner of operation of thenetwork of evaluation apparatuses 100 and cashier terminals 150. Suchoperations can include, for example, remote monitoring and facilitatingof evaluation apparatus maintenance (e.g., remote testing of evaluationapparatus functionality, downloading operational software and updates,etc.), servicing (e.g., periodic replenishing of cash and otherconsumables), performance, etc. In addition, the operator 332 canfurther include one or more display screens operably connected tocameras located at each of the evaluation apparatuses 100 (e.g., one ormore of the cameras 116 described above with reference to FIG. 1). Thisremote viewing capability enables operator personnel to verify useridentification and/or make other visual observations at the evaluationapparatuses 100 in real-time during transactions, as described abovewith reference to FIG. 1.

The foregoing description of the electronic device recycling system 300illustrates but one possible network system suitable for implementingthe various technologies described herein. Accordingly, those ofordinary skill in the art with appreciate that other systems consistentwith the present technology can omit one or more of the facilitiesdescribed in reference to FIG. 3, or may include one or more additionalfacilities not described in detail in FIG. 3.

FIG. 4 is a representative flow diagram of a routine 400 for recyclingan electronic device in accordance with some embodiments of the presenttechnology. In some embodiments, the routine can be performed by theapparatus 100 and/or the cashier terminal 150 described above. This flowdiagram does not show all functions or exchanges of data, but insteadprovides an understanding of commands and data exchanged under thesystem. Those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that somefunctions or exchange of commands and data may be repeated, varied,omitted, or supplemented, and other (less important) aspects not shownmay be readily implemented.

The routine 400 begins in block 402 with a user bringing an electronicdevice to an evaluation apparatus, e.g., one of the evaluationapparatuses 100 described above with reference to FIGS. 1-3. Referringto FIG. 1 in conjunction with FIG. 4, the electronic device 106 may be,for example, a laptop computer. As noted above, the electronic devicecan take various other forms, such as a smart television, printer, gameconsole, desktop PC, mobile phone, tablet, wearable computing device,etc. Routine 400 continues in block 404 with the electronic device beingidentified and evaluated. In various embodiments, the identification andevaluation can include electrical analysis, visual analysis, or both bythe evaluation apparatus 100. In some embodiments, the user 101 mayinitiate the routine by interacting with touch screen 208 on theevaluation apparatus 100 (FIGS. 1 and 2). For example, the user 101 canindicate the type of device the user 101 wishes to sell in response to amenu and/or prompts on the display screen 104. In some embodiments, theevaluation apparatus 100 can query the electronic device automaticallyto determine the type of device. Next, the user may be prompted toremove any cases, stickers, or other accessories from the device so thatit can be accurately evaluated. The user may be prompted to plug anappropriate one or more of the electronic connectors 124 into thecorresponding port (e.g., a USB port) on the electronic device 106. Ifneeded, the user 101 may also plug a power cord for the electronicdevice 106 into the AC outlet. After connecting the device, theevaluation apparatus 100 performs an electrical inspection to furtherevaluate the condition of the electronic device 106 as well as specificcomponent and operating parameters such as memory, processor, make,model, etc. In addition or alternatively, in some embodiments theelectrical inspection can include a determination of phone manufacturerinformation (e.g., a vendor identification number or VID) and productinformation (e.g., a product identification number or PID), and/ordetermination of the International Mobile Station Equipment Identity(IMEI) number or Mobile Equipment Identifier (MEID) number associatedwith the device. In some embodiments, the electrical analysis can beperformed wirelessly, for example via software installed on theelectronic device for remote analysis. In some embodiments, theevaluation apparatus 100 can perform the electrical analysis using oneor more of the methods and/or systems described in detail in thecommonly owned patents and patent applications identified herein andincorporated by reference in their entireties.

In some embodiments, the electrical analysis can include evaluating thecondition and/or functionality of the charging circuit of the electronicdevice. In particular, the testing electronics measure the amount ofcharge current that the charging circuit draws on the power lines, andthe testing electronics use the corresponding current measurement signalto determine whether the charging circuit is functional or damaged. Ingeneral, charging circuits can become damaged by statistic discharge orwhen they are overheated, exposed to water, or connected to anon-standard power supply. If a charging circuit is damaged, it mightnot regulate charge current properly (if at all), which can cause damageto a battery. For example, a damaged charging circuit might have a slowcharge rate or a very rapid charge rate. In many cases, a chargingcircuit is difficult and expensive, if not impossible, to replacebecause it is typically located on a primary circuit board or co-locatedon a processor chip. Thus, an electronic device with a damaged chargingcircuit may have little market value due to the impracticability ofreplacing the charging circuit.

In some embodiments, the electrical analysis can include detectingwhether a charging circuit is damaged by determining if the current isbelow a maximum current threshold, above a minimum current threshold, orwithin a range that falls between the maximum and minimum currentthresholds. The testing electronics can also measure other types ofelectrical quantities associated with the charge current, such as ACfrequency or DC pulse widths. For example, in some mobile devices, thecharge current may begin to pulse when the battery is fully charged. Inan additional or alternate embodiment, the testing electronics can applyan AC test voltage to test capacitors, transistors, or other reactivecircuit elements of mobile device hardware.

In some embodiments, the current measurement signal can be compared toreference quantities corresponding to the electrical characteristics ofa particular make and/or model of an electronic device. For example, theroutine can include looking up device signatures in a look-up tablestored in memory. The reference quantities in the device signature caninclude, for example, the charge current thresholds, the amount of powerthat the device is supposed to draw on the power line, the expectedimpedance between the power line and circuit ground, and/or other knownreference quantities associated with particular types of makes and/ormodel of mobile devices.

In some embodiments, the evaluation apparatus can operate via theelectrical connectors in a manner similar to that of a USB host device.For example, the evaluation apparatus can assign a unique address to theelectronic device and exchange USB packets directly with the electronicdevice. For example, in one embodiment the evaluation apparatus canrequest USB device descriptors from the electronic device. In someembodiments, the evaluation apparatus can communicate via the electricalconnector directly with a processor of the electronic device to accessthe device's hardware components over a debugging interface, such as theandroid debugging bridge (ADB) or over a hardware abstraction interface.In one embodiment, the evaluation apparatus can use such interfaces tooperate (e.g., activate, access, control, enable, and/or disable)hardware components, such as the electronic device's camera, display,memory, vibrator motor(s), etc. For example, the evaluation apparatuscan use a software interface to access the electronic device's memory toretrieve an image and display the image on the device's display screen,if applicable. In another embodiment, the evaluation apparatus cancommunicate with a so-called smart charging circuit, which has logicthat enables the charging circuit to be turned on or off and/or to drawdifferent levels of charge current. The evaluation apparatus can alsouse shell access to identify hardware on the electronic device. Forexample, the evaluation apparatus can use shell access to detect anynon-OEM hardware that may have been installed on the electronic device.

Following the electrical evaluation, in some embodiments the user 101may be prompted to utilize a scanner to scan a barcode on the electronicdevice, or to manually enter a serial number or similar identifyingnumber or feature associated with the electronic device 106. Forexample, in some electronic devices the serial number or similaridentifying number may be visible on an external surface (e.g.,displayed on the bottom side of a laptop, under a battery, etc.). Insome embodiments, a barcode could be implemented on the electronicdevice such that the barcode is invisible to the user, but is readablevia infrared or ultraviolet light. In some electronic devices, a usercan navigate an operating system of the electronic device to obtain theserial number or other identifying number (e.g., In some embodiments,the electronic device 106 can also be visually inspected via cameras 116a-c, user-operated camera 129, flatbed scanner 107 or other imagingsystem coupled to the evaluation apparatus 100. For example, in someembodiments the user may be prompted (e.g., via display screen 104) toobtain images of the electronic device 106 via the user-operated camera129, the flatbed scanner 107, or other imaging components. The user maybe prompted in particular to position the electronic device in animaging area of the counter, or at a particular position on the flatbedscanner. In some embodiments, the visual inspection can include a 3Dvisual analysis to confirm the identification of the electronic device106 (e.g. make and model) and/or to evaluate or assess the conditionand/or function of the electronic device 106 and/or its variouscomponents and systems. In some embodiments, the visual inspection caninclude a computer-implemented visual analysis (e.g., athree-dimensional (“3D”) analysis) performed by a processor 200 withinthe kiosk (e.g., a CPU) to confirm the identification of the electronicdevice 106 (e.g. make, model and/or sub-model) and/or to evaluate orassess the condition and/or function of the electronic device 106 and/orits various components and systems. For example, the visual analysis caninclude computer-implemented evaluation (e.g., a digital comparison) ofimages of the electronic device 106 taken by the cameras 116 and/oruser-operated camera 129 from top, side and/or end view perspectives todetermine length, width, and/or height (thickness) dimensions of theelectronic device 106. In some embodiments, the visual analysis caninclude an inspection of a display screen on the electronic device 106for cracks or other damage. In some embodiments, the evaluationapparatus 100 can perform the visual analysis using one or more of themethods and/or systems described in detail in the commonly owned patentsand patent applications identified herein and incorporated by referencein their entireties

In some embodiments, evaluation of the electronic device can involveuser interaction. For example, once the electronic device 106 isconnected to one of the electrical connectors 124, the apparatus 100 caninstruct the electronic device 106 to start up and run a program. Theuser may then be instructed to answer prompts on the screen of theelectronic device. For example, a message may be displayed on the screenasking the user to enter a certain set of characters. If the usercorrectly enters these characters, then it can be inferred that both thescreen and the keyboard of the electronic device are operative. In someembodiments, the evaluation apparatus 100 invokes a message on thescreen of the electronic device 106 to be recycled which asked the userpermission to inspect the electronic device 106, look at the systemfile, and determine its components content. If the user 101 is able toread the message it indicates that the display is functional. If theuser is then able to use the mouse and keyboard to reply with permissionit indicates that those inputs are also functional. In some embodiments,the user interaction with the electronic device 106 can also yieldadditional information, for example information obtained from the systemfile.

In some embodiments, the inspection and analysis may include onlybarcode scanning or other identification of the device. For example, inthe case of printers, it may be impractical or simply not useful toelectrically interrogate the printer, and accordingly the analysis mayinclude merely scanning the barcode or entering the serial number of theprinter.

Routine 400 continues in block 406 by determining a compensation amountfor the electronic device 106. Based on the identification andevaluation of the electronic device 106, the evaluation apparatus 100can determine an estimated price or an estimated range of prices tooffer to the user 101 for the device 106. In some embodiments, theevaluation apparatus 100 may query a database comprising a lookup tablewith various prices for a range of identified electronic devicesdepending on their evaluated conditions. As one example, the lookuptable may indicate that for a particular laptop make and model, threedifferent prices are available depending on the determined condition(e.g., poor condition—$100, fair condition—$200, good condition—$300).The evaluation apparatus may grade the condition of the laptopautomatically based on the visual and/or electrical inspection. Based onthe graded condition of the laptop, the evaluation apparatus 100 mayquery the database and receive a compensation amount to be offered tothe user. In some embodiments, the price may not depend on the conditionof the electronic device, but only on the make and model.

In some embodiments, determining the compensation amount (purchaseprice) includes determining whether any specific promotions and/oradditional rewards or rebates from the retailer, manufacturer of thedevice, or any other entity, are associated with the electronic device.For example, if a laptops of a certain brand are eligible for anadvertised store credit amount upon trade-in, the evaluation apparatus100 can determine whether the electronic device 106 is eligible and, ifso, notify the user 101. This can be particularly valuable for retailerswho desire to provide a broad spectrum of different promotions fortrade-in or trade-up programs to incentivize recycling but face thedifficulty for store staff to correctly identify so many different makesand models of different devices, as well as remembering a long list ofspecific promotions for each. In some embodiments, various options forthe compensation can be determined, for example $50 in cash or $100 instore credit towards the purchase of a new laptop. For example, theevaluation apparatus 100 may query a database to determine the price fora particular electronic device based on the evaluated condition. In someembodiments, the database can include a lookup table that includes, inaddition to a monetary amount, any applicable rebates, specificpromotions, etc. For example, the lookup table may indicate that for aparticular identified electronic device having an evaluated condition of“fair” or “good”, the price can be either $50 in cash or $100 in storecredit towards the purchase of a new laptop. Various other promotions,rebates, coupons, and other promotions can be stored in the lookuptable. Accordingly, the evaluation apparatus 100 may offer a user avariety of compensation amounts, whether cash, trade-in value, discountcoupons, or otherwise, based on the identification and evaluation of theelectronic device.

In block 408, the determined price or other compensation offers aredisplayed to the user, for example via display screen 104. In decisionblock 410, the user accepts or declines the offer. If the user 101declines the price (via, e.g., the touch screen 208), the user candisconnect the connector 124 from the electronic device 106, andretrieve the electronic device 106. If the user accepts the offeredcompensation amount, the routine continues in block 412 to verify theuser identification. In some embodiments, the user 101 may be promptedto place his or her identification (e.g., a driver's license) in the IDscanner 112 and/or provide a thumbprint via the fingerprint reader 114.As a fraud prevention measure, the evaluation apparatus 100 can beconfigured to transmit an image of the driver's license to a remotecomputer screen, and an operator at the remote computer can visuallycompare a display of the picture (and/or other information) on thedriver's license to the person standing in front of the evaluationapparatus 100 as viewed by one or more of the cameras 116 a-c (FIG. 1)to confirm that the person attempting to sell the electronic device 106is in fact the person identified by the driver's license. In someembodiments, one or more of the cameras 116 a-c can be movable tofacilitate viewing of users, as well as other individuals in theproximity of the evaluation apparatus 100. Additionally, the user'sfingerprint can be checked against records of known fraud perpetrators.If either of these checks indicate that the person selling theelectronic device presents a fraud risk, the transaction can be declinedand the electronic device 106 returned. In some embodiments, the user101 is prompted to enter additional information via the touch screen208, for example make and model, place or purchase, user demographicinformation (gender, age, location, etc.).

After the user's identification has been checked, in block 414 anidentifying label is printed and dispensed to the user to be affixed tothe electronic device. For example, the evaluation apparatus 100 mayprint and dispense a unique identification label (e.g., a smalladhesive-backed sticker with a QR code, barcode, etc.) from the labeloutlet 110 for the user to adhere to the electronic device 106. In someembodiments, the identifying label is not intended to be affixed to theelectronic device 106, but rather the user 101 can carry both theelectronic device 106 and the label or tag to the cashier terminal 150.In some embodiments, rather than printing a physical label, anelectronic representation (e.g., QR code, barcode, alphanumeric string)can be transmitted to a user's mobile device (e.g., via MMS, SMS, email,etc.), for example mobile phone 233 (FIG. 3). In some embodiments, theprinted label can include the obtained information about the electronicdevice 106, for example its make, model, serial number, condition, itsdetermined value, related promotions, etc., with additional instructionsfor the user 101 to take the electronic device 106 and the label to theclerk 151 at the cashier terminal 150 to redeem the reward andphysically turn in the electronic device 106.

In some embodiments, the identifying label can include machine-readableindicia associated with the identified electronic device. For example,the label can include a barcode, QR code, or other machine-readableindicia that, when scanned at the cashier terminal 150, retrieves theobtained information about the electronic device. In some embodiments,information obtained from the evaluation and identification performed atthe evaluation apparatus 100 can be stored electronically and may beretrieved by the cashier terminal 150 upon reading the machine-readableindicia. In some embodiments, additional information obtained from otherdatabases can be obtained upon reading the machine-readable indicia,including any applicable takeback offers, rebates, coupons, etc.

Routine 400 continues in block 416 with the user affixing the label tothe electronic device and bringing the electronic device to the cashierterminal 150. As noted above, in some embodiments the label need not beaffixed to the electronic device 106, but may be presented by the user101 to the clerk 151 at the cashier terminal 150. In some embodiments,the user may be instructed to take the electronic device and the labelto the cashier terminal, either via instructions printed on the label,instructions displayed on the display 104 of the evaluation apparatus100, or other instructions such as physical placards in the vicinity ofthe evaluation apparatus 100. In block 418, the clerk 151 scans theidentifying label. In some embodiments, the clerk 151 at the cashierterminal 150 can use the reader 152 to read the machine-readable indiciaon the label presented by the user 101. The reader 152 can be, forexample a barcode reader, QR code reader, or other such scanner.

In block 420, the device identity and/or condition is verified at thecashier terminal. For example, in some embodiments the clerk 151 canvisually inspect the electronic device and compare it to the informationprovided on the label to determine whether the make, model, and otherinformation are correct. In some embodiments, the display 156 at thecashier terminal 150 can show a stock image of the identified electronicdevice 106, which can allow the clerk 151 to perform a quick visualcomparison between the stock image and the electronic device presentedby the user 101. For example, if the user 101 presents the electronicdevice 106 to the clerk 151, but after scanning the label the display156 shows a stock image of a television, the clerk 151 can terminate thetransaction. This feature can preclude one type of abuse in which a userhas one device evaluated at the evaluation apparatus 100, and thenattempts to provide a different device to the clerk 151 at the cashierterminal 150 for payment. In some embodiments, rather than a stock imageof the device, actual images of the device can be used, for exampleimages taken with cameras 116 a-c while the device was being evaluatedat the evaluation apparatus 100. In other embodiments the clerk 151 mayelectrically connect the device to electrical connectors provided at thecashier terminal 150. Electrical analysis can then be used to determinewhether the presented device matches the device evaluated at theevaluation apparatus 100. In some embodiments, the cashier terminal 150may access a server computer to obtain information associated with theelectronic device in order to verify that the device presented at thecashier terminal 150 matches the device evaluated at the evaluationapparatus 100.

If the device identity and/or condition is not confirmed, then in block422 the clerk may decline payment and return the electronic device tothe user. If the device identity and/or condition is confirmed, then inblock 424 the user ID is verified. In some embodiments, the user'sdriver's license or other identification can be scanned at the cashierterminal 150. If the scanned driver's license or other ID matches thatscanned previously at the evaluation apparatus 100, then the user'sidentity may be confirmed. Upon scanning the driver's license, an imageof the license including a photo of the individual, can be displayed tothe clerk 151 (e.g., via display 156) so that the clerk 151 candetermine whether the photo ID matches the user 101. In someembodiments, the user 101 may hand her photo ID to the clerk 151 forconfirmation that the photo ID matches the user 101, and that the photoID matches that scanned previously at the evaluation apparatus 100. Insome embodiments, the user 101 may be asked verification questions, forexample the user's birthdate as determined from the scanned driver'slicense at the evaluation apparatus 100. If the user identification isnot verified, then in block 422 the clerk 151 declines payment andreturns the electronic device to the user. In some embodiments, theclerk 151 may view images of the user 101 obtained at the evaluationapparatus 100 (e.g., via cameras 116 a-c) to ensure that the individualat the cashier terminal 150 is the same as the user 101 who interactedwith the evaluation apparatus 100.

If the user identification is verified, then in block 426 the clerk maydispense compensation to the user. In some embodiments, payment can bemade in the form of cash dispensed from the payment dispenser 154 (e.g.,a cash drawer). In other embodiments, the compensation can take otherforms, for example a redeemable voucher, a coupon, a discount on anotherdevice, an e-certificate, a prepaid card, a wired or wireless monetarydeposit to an electronic account (e.g., a bank account, credit account,loyalty account, online commerce account, mobile wallet, etc.), Bitcoin,etc. In some embodiments, the cashier terminal can automatically fillout any forms of paperwork necessary for the user to obtain a refund,rebate, or other compensation from the manufacturer or other entity. Thecompleted forms can be provided to the user for submission or may besubmitted automatically on behalf of the user.

Once compensation has been provided to the user and the electronicdevice has been received, the routine 400 continues in block 428 withthe clerk storing the electronic device. As noted above, in someembodiments, the bin 160 can be remote from the other components of thecashier terminal 150, for example the bin 160 can be positioned inanother location within a store. In some embodiments, the bin 160 can beproximate to the other components, for example a bin beneath theregister. In some embodiments, the electronic device 106 can be added,either automatically or manually by the clerk 151, to an inventorydatabase which can be networked to other inventories, manufacturers,resellers, etc. For example, a database may be maintained that includes,for a particular device, the make, model, quantity of such devices in aparticular bin and/or in other facilities at remote locations,compensation amount(s) paid to users for such devices, user demographicinformation, and other information. The database can be periodicallyupdated as new devices are purchased from users and devices are retainedin the bin 160. The inventory database can also be used to facilitaterecycling of the devices. For example, a retailer may be able to contactan electronics recycler and easily provide information regarding thenumber and type of devices in the inventory. Pick-up may be scheduledbased on volume and/or time from the selected collection agency, and thecollection agency would be prepared with a complete list of whatinventory to expect. This inventory database additionally providesvaluable information regarding which manufacturers and models are beingrecycled, optionally cross-referenced with user demographic data.Further, the inventory data can be useful to retailers to demonstratecompliance with state and federal regulations regarding electronicsrecycling and takeback programs.

FIG. 5 illustrates a subroutine corresponding to block 420 of FIG. 4, inwhich the device identity and/or condition is confirmed. Subroutine 420begins in block 502 by querying a database (e.g., the database 306 (FIG.3)) with a unique identifier from the identifying label. As indicatedabove, an identifying label is printed and dispensed from the evaluationapparatus 100. When the clerk 151 scans the identifying label, a uniqueidentifier (e.g., an alphanumeric string unique to the particularelectronic device) is retrieved by the cashier terminal 150. This uniqueidentifier is then used to query the database 306 which includes theinformation obtained from the evaluation apparatus 100 in connectionwith the unique identifier. For example, the database 306 can includethe information obtained via the electrical and/or visual analysis ofthe electronic device 106, including one or more of its make model,serial number, IMEI, MEID, color, functional condition, images obtainedof the electronic device 106, etc. The database 306 can also includeinformation relating to the user associated with the unique identifier,for example identification obtained (e.g., user driver's license orthumbprint), images obtained of the user, etc. In block 504 informationis received from the database 306. The information retrieved can includeany subset of the data obtained at the evaluation apparatus 100, inaddition or alternatively to retrieving all information obtained at theevaluation apparatus 100. For example, in some embodiments theevaluation apparatus 100 may collect a wide variety of information, butthe query of the database 306 may return only the serial number, make,and model of the electronic device 106.

Subroutine 420 continues in block 506 by displaying informationretrieved from the database 306 at the cashier terminal. For example,the make and model of the electronic device 106 associated with theunique identifier may be displayed to the clerk 151 at the cashierterminal 150. Additionally, in block 508 a representative image of theelectronic device 106 associated with the unique identifier can bedisplayed at the cashier terminal 150. In some embodiments, the imagedisplayed may be an actual image obtained at the evaluation apparatus100. In other embodiments, a representative or stock image correspondingto the make and model of the electronic device 106, or of a similarelectronic device, can be displayed. For example, if the electronicdevice 106 associated with the unique identifier is a Lenovo® Thinkpad™laptop, then a stock image of such a laptop may be displayed to theclerk 151. In block 510, the clerk 151 compares the retrievedinformation from the database 306 and the representative image with theelectronic device presented by the user. If either the retrievedinformation (e.g., make, model, condition, serial number, etc.) or therepresentative image does not match electronic device presented at thecashier terminal 150, the transaction can be terminated and theelectronic device is returned to the user. In some embodiments the clerk151 can plug in the electronic device to an electrical connectorassociated with the cashier terminal 150 for electrical analysis toverify the identity and condition of the device. After electricalanalysis, the clerk 151 can be displayed with a “yes” or “no” messagevia the display 156 of the cashier terminal 150 to indicate whether theelectronic device presented by the user at the cashier terminal is thesame as the electronic device evaluated at the evaluation apparatus.This comparison can eliminate one type of user fraud in which one deviceevaluated at the evaluation apparatus 100, and then the user attempts toprovide a different device to the clerk 151 at the cashier terminal 150.

As those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate, the foregoingroutine is but one example of a way in which the evaluation apparatus100 and cashier terminal 150 can be used to recycle or otherwise processconsumer electronic devices. Although the foregoing example is describedin the context of a laptop, it should be understood that evaluationapparatus 100 and cashier terminal 150 and various embodiments thereofcan also be used in a similar manner for recycling virtually anyconsumer electronic device, such as desktop computers, printers, devicesfor implemented games, wearable computing devices, mobile phones, MP3players, tablet computers, PDAs, entertainment or other digital media onCDs, DVDs, Blu-ray, etc.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for collecting andmanaging inventory of consumer electronic devices in accordance with anembodiment of the present technology. Routine 600 begins in block 602with retrieving user information associated with the electronic device.Such information can be obtained via user interaction with theevaluation apparatus 100 and/or the cashier terminal 150 as describedabove. The user may be prompted to provide certain information, or theinformation may be obtained via biometric scan (e.g., fingerprint scan),ID reader, images obtained of the user, etc. Information regarding theuser can include, for example, demographic information (age, gender,location (whether home address obtained from ID or the location of theevaluation apparatus), income, etc.), how long the user has owned theelectronic device, reason(s) the owner is returning or recycling theelectronic device, identification of replacement or upgrade device to bepurchased (if applicable), the retail channel in which the device waspurchased and/or returned, etc.

Routine 600 continues in block 602 with retrieving information regardingthe condition of the electronic device. For example, the condition ofthe electronic device can be determined based on the visual and/orelectrical analysis performed at the evaluation apparatus, as describedabove. In some embodiments, the condition of the electronic device canbe determined in part based on user input, for example the user mayselect from a menu of options indicating various conditions of thedevice (e.g., functional screen, audio, input, keyboard, etc.). In block606, the retrieved information can be aggregated by types of electronicdevices. The information can be retrieved and aggregated from a singleretail location (having one or more evaluation apparatuses and one ormore cashier terminals), or the information can be retrieved over anetwork connection from a variety of locations having any number ofevaluation apparatuses or cashier terminals. By aggregating theretrieved information by types of electronic devices, valuable patternsor trends may be found by analyzing the aggregated information in block608. For example, aggregation and analysis of the retrieved data mayindicate that a certain brand of laptop computer is being recycled at afaster rate than another brand of laptop computer. In another example,aggregation and analysis may indicate that users offered a particulartrade-up promotion accept the offer 75% of the time. The data obtainedfrom aggregation and analysis of the granular data obtained atindividual evaluation apparatuses and cashier terminals can be valuableto a wide variety of parties. For example, retailers can usefullydetermine which promotions are successful and which are not. In anotherexample, manufacturers can determine which models are being recycled orreturned more frequently than others, and may also be informed of thereasons associated with the returns. In some embodiments, various formsof aggregated data can be packaged and sold to third parties such asmanufacturers, retailers, advertisers, analysts, etc. The data obtainedcan also be used for efficient processing of recycling and transport ofvarious devices. For example, each retail location can retain thecollected electronic devices locally until it is determined, based onaggregated data, when it is most efficient for transport of theseelectronic devices from the retailers to an electronics recycler.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the routines andother functions and methods described above can be performed by variousprocessing devices, such as the evaluation apparatus processor 200 (FIG.2), the cashier terminal processor 251 (FIG. 2), the server computer 304(FIG. 3), or any combination thereof. The processes can be implementedas an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), by a digitalsignal processing (DSP) integrated circuit, through conventionalprogrammed logic arrays or circuit elements. While many of theembodiments are shown and described as being implemented in hardware(e.g., one or more integrated circuits designed specifically for atask), such embodiments could equally be implemented in software and beperformed by one or more processors. Such software can be stored on anysuitable computer-readable medium, such as microcode stored in asemiconductor chip, on a computer-readable disk, or downloaded from aserver and stored locally at a client.

The evaluation apparatuses 100, cashier terminals 150, electronic device230, server computers 304, user computers or devices 318, etc. mayinclude one or more central processing units or other logic-processingcircuitry, memory, input devices (e.g., keyboards and pointing devices),output devices (e.g., display devices and printers), and storage devices(e.g., magnetic, solid state, fixed and floppy disk drives, optical diskdrives, etc.). Such computer devices may include other program modulessuch as an operating system, one or more application programs (e.g.,word processing or spreadsheet applications), and the like. The usercomputers may include wireless computers, such as mobile phones,personal digital assistants (PDAs), palm-top computers, etc., whichcommunicate with the Internet via a wireless link. The computers may begeneral-purpose devices that can be programmed to run various types ofapplications, or they may be single-purpose devices optimized or limitedto a particular function or class of functions. Aspects of the inventionmay be practiced in a variety of other computing environments.

While the Internet is shown, a private network, such as an intranet maylikewise be used herein. The network may have a client-serverarchitecture, in which a computer is dedicated to serving other clientcomputers, or it may have other architectures such as a peer-to-peer, inwhich one or more computers serve simultaneously as servers and clients.A database or databases, coupled to the server computer(s), stores muchof the web pages and content exchanged between the user computers. Theserver computer(s), including the database(s), may employ securitymeasures to inhibit malicious attacks on the system, and to preserveintegrity of the messages and data stored therein (e.g., firewallsystems, message encryption and/or authentication (e.g., using transportlayer security (TLS) or secure socket layers (SSL)), password protectionschemes, encryption of stored data (e.g., using trusted computinghardware), and the like).

One skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that the concepts of theinvention can be used in various environments other than location basedor the Internet. In general, a display description may be in HTML, XMLor WAP format, email format or any other format suitable for displayinginformation (including character/code-based formats, algorithm-basedformats (e.g., vector generated), and bitmapped formats). Also, variouscommunication channels, such as local area networks, wide area networks,or point-to-point dial-up connections, may be used instead of theInternet. The system may be conducted within a single computerenvironment, rather than a client/server environment. Also, the usercomputers may comprise any combination of hardware or software thatinteracts with the server computer, such as television-based systems andvarious other consumer products through which commercial ornoncommercial transactions can be conducted. The various aspects of theinvention described herein can be implemented in or for any e-mailenvironment.

Although not required, aspects of the invention are described in thegeneral context of computer-executable instructions, such as routinesexecuted by a general-purpose data processing device, e.g., a servercomputer, wireless device or personal computer. Those skilled in therelevant art will appreciate that aspects of the invention can bepracticed with other communications, data processing, or computer systemconfigurations, including: Internet appliances, hand-held devices(including personal digital assistants (PDAs)), wearable computers, allmanner of cellular or mobile phones (including Voice over IP (VoIP)phones), dumb terminals, media players, gaming devices, multi-processorsystems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics,set-top boxes, network PCs, mini-computers, mainframe computers, and thelike. Indeed, the terms “computer,” “server,” “host,” “host system,” andthe like are generally used interchangeably herein, and refer to any ofthe above devices and systems, as well as any data processor. Inputdevices may include a touchpad, keyboard and/or a pointing device suchas a mouse. Other input devices are possible such as a microphone,joystick, pen, game pad, scanner, digital camera, video camera, and thelike. The data storage devices may include any type of computer-readablemedia that can store data accessible by a computer, such as magnetichard and floppy disk drives, optical disk drives, magnetic cassettes,tape drives, flash memory cards, digital video disks (DVDs), Bernoullicartridges, RAMs, ROMs, smart cards, etc. Indeed, any medium for storingor transmitting computer-readable instructions and data may be employed,including a connection port to a network such as a local area network(LAN), wide area network (WAN) or the Internet.

Aspects of the invention can be embodied in a special purpose computeror data processor that is specifically programmed, configured, orconstructed to perform one or more of the computer-executableinstructions explained in detail herein. While aspects of the invention,such as certain functions, are described as being performed exclusivelyon a single device, the invention can also be practiced in distributedenvironments where functions or modules are shared among disparateprocessing devices, which are linked through a communications network,such as a Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), or theInternet. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may belocated in both local and remote memory storage devices.

Aspects of the invention may be stored or distributed on tangiblecomputer-readable media, including magnetically or optically readablecomputer discs, hard-wired or preprogrammed chips (e.g., EEPROMsemiconductor chips), nanotechnology memory, biological memory, or otherdata storage media. The data storage devices may include any type ofcomputer-readable media that can store data accessible by a computer,such as magnetic hard and floppy disk drives, optical disk drives,magnetic cassettes, tape drives, flash memory cards, DVDs, Bernoullicartridges, RAM, ROMs, smart cards, etc. Indeed, any medium for storingor transmitting computer-readable instructions and data may be employed,including a connection port to a network such as a LAN, WAN, or theInternet. Alternatively, computer implemented instructions, datastructures, screen displays, and other data under aspects of theinvention may be distributed over the Internet or over other networks(including wireless networks), on a propagated signal on a propagationmedium (e.g., an electromagnetic wave(s), a sound wave, etc.) over aperiod of time, or they may be provided on any analog or digital network(packet switched, circuit switched, or other scheme). The terms “memory”and “computer-readable storage medium” include any combination oftemporary, persistent, and/or permanent storage, e.g., ROM, writablememory such as RAM, writable non-volatile memory such as flash memory,hard drives, solid state drives, removable media, and so forth, but donot include a propagating signal per se.

The above Detailed Description of examples and embodiments of theinvention is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention tothe precise form disclosed above. While specific examples for theinvention are described above for illustrative purposes, variousequivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention,as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. For example, whileprocesses or blocks are presented in a given order, alternativeimplementations may perform routines having steps, or employ systemshaving blocks, in a different order, and some processes or blocks may bedeleted, moved, added, subdivided, combined, and/or modified to providealternative or sub-combinations. Each of these processes or blocks maybe implemented in a variety of different ways. Also, while processes orblocks are at times shown as being performed in series, these processesor blocks may instead be performed or implemented in parallel, or may beperformed at different times.

References throughout the foregoing description to features, advantages,or similar language do not imply that all of the features and advantagesthat may be realized with the present technology should be or are in anysingle embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to thefeatures and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature,advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodimentis included in at least one embodiment of the present technology. Thus,discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language,throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to thesame embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics ofthe present technology may be combined in any suitable manner in one ormore embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize thatthe present technology can be practiced without one or more of thespecific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In otherinstances, additional features and advantages may be recognized incertain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of thepresent technology.

Any patents and applications and other references noted above, includingany that may be listed in accompanying filing papers, are incorporatedherein by reference. Aspects of the invention can be modified, ifnecessary, to employ the systems, functions, and concepts of the variousreferences described above to provide yet further implementations of theinvention.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout thedescription and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising,” and thelike are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to anexclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of“including, but not limited to.” As used herein, the terms “connected,”“coupled,” or any variant thereof means any connection or coupling,either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling orconnection between the elements can be physical, logical, or acombination thereof. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below,”and words of similar import, when used in this application, refer tothis application as a whole and not to any particular portions of thisapplication. Where the context permits, words in the above DetailedDescription using the singular or plural number may also include theplural or singular number respectively. The word “or,” in reference to alist of two or more items, covers all of the following interpretationsof the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list,and any combination of the items in the list.

The teachings of the invention provided herein can be applied to othersystems, not necessarily the system described above. The elements andacts of the various examples described above can be combined to providefurther implementations of the invention. Some alternativeimplementations of the invention may include not only additionalelements to those implementations noted above, but also may includefewer elements. Further any specific numbers noted herein are onlyexamples: alternative implementations may employ differing values orranges.

While the above description describes various embodiments of theinvention and the best mode contemplated, regardless how detailed theabove text, the invention can be practiced in many ways. Details of thesystem may vary considerably in its specific implementation, while stillbeing encompassed by the present disclosure. As noted above, particularterminology used when describing certain features or aspects of theinvention should not be taken to imply that the terminology is beingredefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics,features, or aspects of the invention with which that terminology isassociated. In general, the terms used in the following claims shouldnot be construed to limit the invention to the specific examplesdisclosed in the specification, unless the above Detailed Descriptionsection explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope ofthe invention encompasses not only the disclosed examples, but also allequivalent ways of practicing or implementing the invention under theclaims.

From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific embodiments ofthe invention have been described herein for purposes of illustration,but that various modifications may be made without deviating from thespirit and scope of the various embodiments of the invention. Further,while various advantages associated with certain embodiments of theinvention have been described above in the context of those embodiments,other embodiments may also exhibit such advantages, and not allembodiments need necessarily exhibit such advantages to fall within thescope of the invention. Accordingly, the invention is not limited,except as by the appended claims.

Although certain aspects of the invention are presented below in certainclaim forms, the applicant contemplates the various aspects of theinvention in any number of claim forms. Accordingly, the applicantreserves the right to pursue additional claims after filing thisapplication to pursue such additional claim forms, in either thisapplication or in a continuing application.

We claim:
 1. A system for recycling electronic devices, the systemcomprising: a first device comprising: a wired electrical connectorand/or a wireless transceiver configured to connect to the electronicdevice; and a first processor in communication with the wired electricalconnector and/or the wireless transceiver, the first processorconfigured to: test the electronic device via the wired electricalconnector and/or the wireless transceiver; facilitate determining acompensation value for the electronic device, wherein the compensationvalue is at least partially based on the test; and associate theelectronic device with a unique identifier; and a second device separatefrom the first device and comprising: a second processor configured to:retrieve the unique identifier; at least partially identify theelectronic device based on the unique identifier; based on theidentification of the electronic device, obtain at least partialverification that an electronic device present at the second device isthe electronic device; and when the electronic device has been partiallyverified, facilitate providing compensation value in exchange for theelectronic device.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein the first devicecomprises a housing enclosing the first processor, and wherein the firstdevice further comprises a user-operated imaging component operablyconnected to the housing.
 3. The system of claim 1 wherein the system isconfigured to facilitate recycling of a laptop computer, a desktopcomputer, a tablet, an MP3 player, a DVD player, and a camera.
 4. Thesystem of claim 1 wherein the system is configured to facilitaterecycling of a wearable computer.
 5. The system of claim 1, furthercomprising a secure binning area configured to receive the electronicdevice.
 6. The system of claim 1 wherein the first device furthercomprises an imaging component, wherein the second device furthercomprises a display, wherein the first processor is configured to obtainan image of a user of the electronic device via the imaging component,and wherein the second processor is configured to display the image ofthe user.
 7. The system of claim 1 wherein the first device furthercomprises an identification card reader in communication with the firstprocessor; wherein the second device further comprises a display, andwherein the second processor is configured to display an image of theuser obtained from a user identification read by the identification cardreader.
 8. The system of claim 1 wherein the second device furthercomprises a display, and wherein the second processor is configured todisplay an image of the electronic device after receiving the uniqueidentifier.
 9. The system of claim 8 wherein the image comprises asample image of a sample electronic device similar to the electronicdevice associated with the unique identifier.
 10. The system of claim 8wherein the image comprises an image obtained of the electronic deviceat the first device.
 11. An apparatus configured to process electronicdevices, the apparatus comprising: an electrical connector configured toconnect to the electronic device and/or a wireless transceiverconfigured to wirelessly communicate with the electronic device; and aprocessor in communication with the electrical connector and/or wirelesstransceiver, the processor configured to: electrically test theelectronic device via the electrical connector and/or wirelesstransceiver; facilitate determining a compensation value for theelectronic device, wherein the compensation value is at least partiallybased on the electrical test; and associate the electronic device with aunique identifier; and transmit the unique identifier to a remoteprocessing device for use by a second apparatus to identify theelectronic device as the same electronic device electrically tested bythe apparatus, and to identify the compensation value.
 12. The apparatusof claim 11, further comprising a user-operated imaging componentexternal to a housing of the apparatus.
 13. The apparatus of claim 11wherein the apparatus is configured to facilitate recycling of a laptopcomputer, a desktop computer, and a tablet.
 14. The apparatus of claim11 wherein the apparatus is configured to facilitate recycling of awearable computer.
 15. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising animaging component, wherein the processor is configured to obtain animage of the user via the imaging component.
 16. The apparatus of claim11, further comprising an identification card reader in communicationwith the processor.
 17. A method for purchasing an electronic device,the method comprising: providing first apparatus, the first apparatushaving: a wired electrical connector and/or a wireless transceiverconfigured to connect to the electronic device; and a processor incommunication with the wired electrical connector and/or the wirelesstransceiver; at the first apparatus: receiving information from theelectronic device via the wired electrical connector and/or the wirelesstransceiver of the first apparatus; associating a unique identifier withthe electronic device; and displaying a price for the electronic device;at a second apparatus: receiving the electronic device; receiving theunique identifier; at least partially verifying the electronic device isthe same electronic device from which the first apparatus receivedinformation; and facilitating providing the price to a user of theelectronic device based on the verification.
 18. The method of claim 17wherein the electronic device comprises at least one of: a laptopcomputer, a desktop computer, a wearable computer, and a tablet.
 19. Themethod of claim 17, further comprising, at the first apparatus,validating an identification of the user.
 20. The method of claim 17,further comprising: at the first apparatus, obtaining an image of theelectronic device; and at the second apparatus, displaying the image ofthe electronic device.
 21. The method of claim 17, further comprising:at the first apparatus, obtaining an image of the user; and at thesecond apparatus, displaying the image of the user.
 22. The method ofclaim 17, further comprising, at the second apparatus, displaying asample image of a sample electronic device similar to the receivedelectronic device.
 23. The method of claim 17, further comprising:electrically evaluating the information received from the electronicdevice; and determining a price for the electronic device based at leastin part on the electrical evaluation.
 24. The method of claim 17,further comprising, at the second apparatus and in response to receivingthe unique identifier, displaying one or more of: the make and model ofthe electronic device associated with the unique identifier, a stockimage of an electronic device matching the make and model associatedwith the unique identifier, and an actual image of the electronic deviceas obtained by the evaluation apparatus.
 25. The method of claim 17,further comprising, at the first apparatus, sending data to a remotedatabase, the data comprising one or more of the user input associatedwith the electronic device, the price for the electronic device, and theunique identifier.